Johnnie Walker is stepping down from BBC Radio 2's drive time show at the end of the month after seven years hosting the show. Walker, who added two million listeners to the afternoon slot, will stay with the station to host a Sunday afternoon show and regular rock interviews.
Walker said yesterday: "I've had a wonderful time presenting drivetime and enjoyed it enormously. After seven years on one show I feel it's time for a change. The new Sunday show will be give me the opportunity to present a programme with a spiritual angle, something I've been talking to Radio 2 about for over a year. And after getting such positive feedback for my Eric Clapton special last summer, I'm keen to do more interviews with the major names in rock."
Speculation has now begun as to who will replace Walker. Stuart Maconie is among those being tipped for the role, though the favourite for the job is Chris Evans. Radio 2 have known for a while that Walker wanted to leave the daily show, and Evans' current contract with the station conveniently comes up for renewal at the end of the month. The presenter also implied a new job was on the horizon during his Saturday show last weekend. Evans is also a favourite with Radio 2 boss Lesley Douglas, who fought a considerable fight to bring Evans to the station in the first place.